Saxophone Lessons in River Vale, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I like to start with either the Rubank Elementary Method or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, as I find these provide a strong foundation in proper technique and sound, and reading music. As we move through this method, I will introduce exercises to help the student further develop a good sound on their instrument. At the same time, we will also begin to play solo and duet repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My approach to teaching is simple. I believe every student has a lens through which music feels exciting and natural. My job as a teacher is to help you discover it. For beginners, you might call this developing an interest or passion for music. Whether you're young or old, this is one of my favorite challenges as a teacher. For advanced players, it may be more about finding your voice, or dealing with issues of ego, purpose, technique, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I would best describe my teaching style as "Learn how to have fun playing music, simply." I am thankful for being blessed with an ability to hear how my student plays and quickly and accurately prescribe a simple fix to get over hurdles. Sometimes all it takes is looking at things a different way to realize something and clear up confusion. Just like in life, sometimes with music all it takes is your teacher saying something a different way or helping you look at the music from a different angle. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard

I'm just starting out pursuing teaching as a professional. During my undergraduate degree, I gave some piano lessons to a next door neighbor, and also also tutored my professor's daughter in music theory. Those moments were crucial for developing what I want to be doing: infusing music lessons with music theory and composition. I feel that learning to play music becomes an entire new experience when one understands the theory behind what they are playing and and furthermore is excited about generating their own material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Synthesizer Music

I like to have students move at their own pace. I would work with each student and learn their strengths and weaknesses in regards to playing their instrument, and use that knowledge to help guide them along during the lessons and in what work or etudes I give them to practice in between each lesson. For example, if a beginner student is struggling with the fundamentals of music or their instrument, I might spend more time on that to make them more comfortable with the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music Keyboard

The best thing I can do as a teacher is help you realize the path of least resistance for achieving your goals. So, I have developed a style called the Dotted Line Approach. On the first day of lessons, we will discuss both short term and long term goals. Following this, we will develop a roadmap with smaller goals for each week, month, 3 months, and year. Each month, we will revisit your goals, discuss what is and what isn't working, and make plans to stay on track towards meeting your goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

My relationship with music making began at the age of 7 when I begrudgingly agreed to take piano lessons at the nudging of my parents. In the first lesson, my teacher taught me the theme from The Simpsons, and I was sold. It would be years before I would actually become competent at turning notes on a page into something musically expressive, but that day I went home knowing I had found something special, and that inertia has carried me to where I am today. Read More